Obi also noted that drug abuse has greatly dampened the productivity of Nigerians, especially the youth population
By Kehinde Okeowo
Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi on Wednesday called for more concerted efforts towards preventing drug abuse and helping those weighed down by addiction as the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He made the call in a post of his X handle, where he also urged the government to mete out stringent punishment to drug traffickers.
The former Anambra State governor also stressed that the governments at all levels must seek to save the nation from the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He went on to lamented that drugs and substance abuse contributed to high rates of crime, moral decadence in society, and other associated health hazards.
He further noted that it has greatly dampens the productivity of the people, especially the youth population.
Citing a report by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) which said that about 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years, abused drugs, Obi said more efforts must be channelled into prevention.
Speaking via his verified social media page, Obi tweeted, “Today is set aside by the global community to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is a day set out to strengthen actions that will rid the society of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“It is also a day that reminds us of the need to direct more concerted efforts towards preventing drug abuse and guiding those weighed down by addiction through the path of freedom.
“For a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria, where poverty and and where unemployment are on the increase, the incidence of drug abuse remains high.
“Economic hardship and other poor socio-economic factors have been identified as the leading factors fueling drug abuse among our youth.”
While profiling solution to the problems, he added: “Government should invest in rehabilitating those already caught in the web of drug abuse and stringent punishment meted out to drug traffickers.
“With commitment and sincerity of action, we can achieve a drug-free nation in a New Nigeria that is possible.”